Healthcare During COVID-19: The Alfred Hospital Pharmacy

ED dispensary

MMP Studio was commissioned by The Alfred Hospital's Senior Pharmacist to document the vital role of pharmacy across various hospital departments. This project aimed to showcase the professionalism, innovation, and teamwork within the pharmacy team, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pharmacist on interdisciplinary ward round with intensivist in the ICU

The primary challenge was to capture authentic, high-quality images that conveyed the pharmacy team's expertise and dedication while adhering to strict COVID-19 protocols and working around the busy schedules of healthcare professionals. We needed to document a wide range of pharmacy activities across multiple hospital areas in a limited timeframe, all while maintaining patient privacy and infection control standards.

One striking example of our adaptive approach is captured in the ICU photos. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we documented how pharmacists and nurses collaborated remotely, with nurses holding up medication vials to windows for pharmacists to verify, showcasing the innovative solutions implemented during the pandemic.

To meet these challenges, we adopted a flexible, documentary-style approach. We kept our equipment light and portable, allowing us to move quickly between locations and adapt to last-minute changes. We worked closely with the pharmacy team to identify key moments that would best illustrate their role in patient care, from medication preparation to interdisciplinary consultations.

Pharmacist in the ICU checking IV infusions for precipitation

The photoshoot was conducted over two half-days, allowing us to work around staff availability and capture a diverse range of pharmacy activities. We photographed in various hospital areas, including Cardiology, Emergency Department, ICU, and dedicated pharmacy spaces. In some areas, full PPE was required, adding an extra layer of complexity to the shoot.

Outpatient Dispensary - Pharmacist counselling a patient on medication at front window area

Despite the challenges, we successfully delivered a comprehensive set of images that authentically portrayed the pharmacy team's crucial role in hospital operations. The photos have been used on The Alfred Hospital's website, effectively communicating the professionalism, technological innovation, and teamwork within the pharmacy department.

"Everyone has been really happy with the photos - you did an amazing job!! Thanks so much!" - Senior Pharmacist, The Alfred Hospital

Alfred Health Annual Report 2022-2023

MMP Studio's works effectively in highly regulated healthcare environments, adapting to strict protocols while still capturing compelling, authentic imagery. The resulting photos not only met the client's needs but also provided a valuable visual record of healthcare practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.